Is Declan Rice's season over? Severity of Arsenal star's injury revealed as England sweat on midfielder's fitness

England international Rice sat out the Gunners’ Premier League clash with newly-crowned champions Liverpool at Anfield. He was a big miss in the middle of the park, but saw Mikel Arteta’s side stage a stirring fightback on Merseyside and claim a 2-2 draw from two goals down.

Arsenal boss Arteta said when asked to explain Rice’s absence - having seen him play the full 90 minutes in a Champions League semi-final tie with Paris Saint-German a few days earlier: “Declan couldn't even train so he's injured unfortunately and couldn't make the game.”

Arsenal, who remain second in the Premier League table for now, have two games left to take in this season - at home to fellow top-five hopefuls Newcastle and away at rock-bottom Southampton.

According to BBC Sport, “Rice is recovering from a hamstring problem and while there is hope the injury is not serious, club medics will not take any unnecessary risks with the England international”.

Thomas Tuchel is another coach that will be keeping a close eye on Rice’s fitness, with the Three Lions boss eager to include him in his squad for a World Cup qualifier against Andorra and international friendly date with Senegal in June.